Being a Better Dad

I've really trying to be better for my children and trying not to get as cranky as I sometimes did. To help me with this, I've ended up basically bribing my children by increasing their pocket money and I have given them an added incentive to behave at bedtime. It seems to be working as the kids are being better behaved and not arguing when it's time to do chores or go to bed. That is good for my mental health as when they are behaving I'm in a better mood, which is nicer for everyone.
Tonight I'm writing this post in the study with my headphones on whilst the kids finish dinner, I left the table and snuck away as the kids were being naughty and I know that they aren't going to want to finish eating dinner and my wife will probably let them off the hook if I'm not there. Whilst leaving the table when they are still eating isn't the best manners, it's probably better for them and me if I don't see what's going on.
A while back I tried to teach my son how to be a little naughty at bed time and not get in trouble. He doesn't have any older siblings or regular contact with his cousins to learn that as a kid you can get away with staying up and playing in your room as long as you're really quiet. Part of the trouble is that my son likes to leave his door open at bedtime so it's easy to hear and if you walk past his room see, that he's not in bed. I told him that if he shut his door and was really really quiet that Mummy and Daddy wouldn't hear him and he wouldn't get in trouble. He thought it was a great idea and I thought we were on to a winner until about an hour later he came out of his room and announced that he was now going to bed so to leave his door open..... I tried again once more and he still didn't grasp the idea fully as he turned his big light on and started rumaging through his Lego like no tomorrow and made such a racquet that I had to go in, he was upset as he thought that I was going back on what I'd said. I gave up after that.

Bomber
I'm trying, really I am.